Having drawn the first leg at St James' Park 0-0, Pardew concedes that Metalist could be regarded as slight favourites, but the fact a score draw at will send the Magpies into the draw is a cause for optimism.

He said: "We have come here to qualify. I think it is 50-50.

"The fact they did not score has given us a slight advantage but, of course, they are at home.